The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) issued a scam alert after receiving reports of fraudulent websites, fake internet banking login screens, phishing emails and other scams associated with five banks, with links to the banks’ own press releases made available on the HKMA website. The affected banks are The Bank of East Asia, Limited (fraudulent websites, internet banking login screens and phishing email), and Shanghai Commercial Bank Limited, OCBC Bank (Hong Kong) Limited, Chong Hing Bank Limited, and Chiyu Banking Corporation Limited (each involving fraudulent websites and internet banking login screens). The HKMA reiterated that banks will not send SMS or emails containing embedded hyperlinks directing customers to bank websites to conduct transactions, and will not request sensitive information such as login passwords or one-time passwords by phone, email or SMS. Individuals who have disclosed personal information or made transactions in response to these scams were told to contact the relevant bank and report the matter to the Hong Kong Police Force’s Crime Wing Information Centre.
Hong Kong Monetary Authority 2026-01-16
Hong Kong Monetary Authority warns public about fraudulent banking websites and phishing scams tied to five banks
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority issued a scam alert about fraudulent websites, fake internet banking login screens, and phishing emails linked to five banks, including The Bank of East Asia and Shanghai Commercial Bank. The HKMA emphasized that banks will not send SMS or emails with embedded hyperlinks for transactions or request sensitive information, advising affected individuals to contact their bank and report to the Hong Kong Police Force.